CIE Tours FAQs
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Before You Book

When is the best time to visit Ireland or Britain?

Like many travel destinations, the best time to visit Ireland or Britain is during the summer months when the weather is warmer and drier and there is more daylight. However, if you have a choice of dates, it is worth bearing in mind that the prices of our coach tours are lower in the spring and autumn. Airfares will also cost less and with fewer people on vacation, popular attractions are less crowded.

What is the Weather like?

Ireland and Britain have an unpredictable climate with many people saying that all four seasons can be experienced in one day! The climate tends to be moderate – never blisteringly hot in summer and never bitterly cold in winter. Average summer temperatures range from 15 – 24°C (60s F), spring and autumn temperatures are in the 10s°C (50s F) and winter averages 0 – 5°C (30s F) with no huge day/night differences.

For extensive information on weather visit the following sites –
www.met.ie for Ireland
www.metoffice.gov.uk for Britain

Can I combine a Coach Tour with a self drive program or with a second coach tour?

Many of our coach tours are ideally suited for combining and we offer a discount on the second tour. If you want a self-drive holiday, consider taking a short coach tour first to familiarise yourself with Ireland and driving ‘on the other side of the road’.

How many people are on a coach tour?

On average our tours have around 35 passengers but our coaches hold a maximum of 44 passengers.

Do coaches have restrooms?

Most of our coaches are equipped with emergency restrooms. However, for safety reasons they cannot be used when the coach is in motion. The coach makes frequent rest/bathroom stops, at 2-hour intervals or less, for the comfort of all passengers.

Do Children Travel on coach tours?

Children over the age of 8 years old are permitted to travel on coach tours. Those aged between 8 and 18 are charged 90% of the full adult rate. Children of any age are permitted on Custom Groups, Private Groups,  or Private Driver products.

Would a coach tour be suitable for a honeymoon trip?

After the stress of organizing a wedding, many newly-married couples choose our programs as they are happy to have their honeymoon planned for them and not have to worry about booking hotels, planning itineraries or finding places to eat.

Are the tours handicap accessible?

Our coaches are not handicap accessible so you must be able to get on and off the coach unaided by CIE staff and be able to rotate seats on the coach. If you need extra walking assistance, you may bring a light-weight foldable wheelchair which can be stowed in the luggage compartment. You must advise us when booking a tour that you will be using a wheelchair or other medical equipment.

What will my hotel be like?

CIE Tours uses three classes of hotels – these are first class (3 star), superior first class (4 star, which include castle properties) or deluxe (5 star, which include castle properties).

• First class hotels(3 star) feature a dining room, lounge, bar and comfortable guest rooms. Many have leisure facilities.
• Superior first class hotels(4 star) offer the same amenities with higher standards and many have leisure and spa facilities.
• Deluxe hotels(5 star) offer luxurious features and are often in unique settings.

We choose hotels either in central locations or scenic regions, depending on location, and we name all hotels we use on each tour. Our website contains photos and detailed descriptions for all featured hotels.

What are the hotel bedding options?

For your hotel room you can choose to have a Twin (2 separate single beds) or a Double (usually Queen size).

Please note that bedding is subject to each hotel’s discretion and availability.

If there are three people sharing a room then a triple room will usually have a double and one twin bed (total 2 beds). Please note there is no reduction in cost for a third person sharing a room with two others, and triples are limited to a maximum of one per departure. For comfort, we suggest that three adults take two separate rooms. No more than three people can share a hotel room on our escorted tours.

Do you offer a room sharing service for solo passengers?

To ensure the comfort of all our passengers, we do not offer the option of sharing service for solo traveling passengers. We do, however, offer a single supplement whereby you will have the privacy of your own room.

Are the Hotels air conditioned?

Due to the cooler climate in Ireland and Britain, most hotels do not have or need air-conditioning.

What is the table d’hote dinner?

It’s a 4- or 5-course meal dinner with a choice of appetizers, soups, entrees and desserts. Most hotels feature a good assortment of red and white meats, fish and vegetarian foods. If you have certain tastes or dietary restrictions, you can advise us at time of booking or at the restaurant.

Can you accommodate my special dietary requests?

Hotels throughout Ireland and Britain offer a wide variety of foods. When making your reservation please notify us of your specific requests, especially for low-salt or celiac diets. We cannot guarantee all requests and it is a good idea to double check once you are in your tour hotels.

Are there any free days for activities?

All of our tours offer included sightseeing every day to maximise your time. If you want to take a day out to play golf, ride or simply relax and browse around, you may choose not to travel on a day tour when you are staying in the same hotel for two nights.

Do you provide transfers between airports and hotels?
When you book airfare with us, CIE Tours offers complimentary group transfers on first and last day of all tours. Transfer information is given on your tour itinerary. For Heathrow Airport, London, all transfers are by pre-booked shuttle service as there are so many different flights arriving at different terminals. We provide transfers solely on tour start or end dates.

If you want group transfers but booked your own air, the charge is $30pp round trip.

We also offer complimentary car service when you book a pre or post night with air on any tour, except for Taste of Wales.

In order to book transfers, we must receive complete arrival and departure details at time of purchase. Without your airline information, we are unable to book transfers.

Do you sell optional extras?

With us, you are free to enjoy your holiday without enduring daily sales pitches and unexpected costs while on tour. This inconvenience and distraction can dilute up to €400 per couple per week from your holiday budget. These features are already included in your package price.

Our tours include daily sightseeing with prepaid admission fees, full breakfasts, table d’hote dinners, medieval banquets, cabarets and much more – everything to make your holiday a lifelong memorable experience. Our “No Optional Extras” policy enables our tour directors to focus 100% of their time to your enjoyment.

Before you go?

What travel documents do I need to visit Ireland or Britain?

You will need a valid passport. Check that yours is valid, preferably until six months past your travel date and with blank pages so that officials can stamp entry/exit details. Non-EU citizens should check visa requirements with their nearest Irish or British embassy or consulate well in advance of your planned trip.

More information on visa requirements for Ireland can be found on the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs website. For visa requirements for the UK please visit gov.uk/check-uk-visa

If you are hiring a car in Ireland, you need a current driver’s license which is valid under the car rental company’s terms and conditions of rental. A credit card imprint is always needed for car rental bookings.

When Will I get my trip information and travel documents?

You will receive your travel documents electronically approximately 21 days prior to your tour departure date provided that full payment has been received. This includes the vouchers for the coach tour and other services, an itinerary, hotel list and our Go-To-Guide booklet in PDF format.

The following will be provided to you in person at the first hotel of your tour: deluxe backpack, document wallets, luggage straps and tags.

You have paid for tour vouchers so treat them as you would money as they are non-refundable. You will need to present the relevant voucher in return for services such as hop-on, hop-off bus tours

What clothing should I pack?

Generally the dress code for our tours is very comfortable and casual. A dinner jacket for men is required on our Irish Supreme and Scottish Supreme tours, and our Irish Heritage & Dromoland Castle tour; no other tour will require a dinner jacket. Dressing in layers provides most comfort as you can shed and add items when the temperatures fluctuate. Consider packing the following items:

• Comfortable walking shoes
• An all-weather coat with removable lining
• Comfortable clothing that can be easily layered

How much luggage can I bring?

On coach tours, you are permitted one piece of luggage and one carry-on bag per person. Porterage between the coach and your hotel room is included.

Self-drive clients need to consider the limited trunk capacity, and that soft-sided luggage is easier to stow.

Airlines have their own regulations and some carriers charge for checked baggage.

How much money do I need to carry?

As most components of your Ireland and/or Britain tour have been prepaid, you will only need money for lunch each day and dinners when you have an evening at leisure. If you are an avid shopper, or enjoy a cocktail in the evening these costs are incurred at your own expense. Also, it is customary to tip your guide and driver at the end of the tour (please see the question on tipping guidelines for more information).

Use credit cards and ATMs to avoid carrying large sums of cash. High denomination bills are not readily accepted for exchange, even in banks, so it is better to carry smaller denominations.

Currency – Euro and Pounds Sterling?

The Republic of Ireland uses the Euro (€), while in Britain and Northern Ireland the Pound Sterling (£) is used. The two currencies are notinterchangeable.

In Ireland there are seven euro notes in denominations of €5 to €500 and eight euro coins including a one euro and two euro coin.

In Britain and Northern Ireland sterling pound notes are issued in denominations of £5 to £100 with eight coins including £1 and £2.

Should I bring my credit/ATM card?

Major credit cards are widely accepted and we recommend you use them to avoid carrying cash. ATMs are widely available and will accept appropriate cards and dispense cash in the local currency. Additional fees may be charged so please check with your financial institution before you travel. It’s also a good idea to inform your bank that you are traveling overseas to ensure that they don’t block your ATM / credit cards.

Are tips included?

Tips are not included within the price of your tour but are customary to show gratitude to your tour director or driver for satisfactory service. Tipping for restaurant/bar staff is usually discretionary but some restaurants do add a 10% – 15% service charge so be sure to check your bill first.

Our tipping guidelines are as follows:

Will I need electrical converters and adaptors?

A 3-prong adapter for use in both Ireland and Britain will be provided with the backpack we will send you. Hotels provide a shaver outlet in the bathroom and most hotels have a hair dryer and iron in the room or will supply them on request. More information can be found in your Go-To Guide booklet which is sent with your travel documents.

How Early can I check into the hotel on day of arrival?

Check-in time varies between 12:00 noon and 3:00pm depending on the individual hotel. If you arrive in the early part of the day, this can mean a wait at the hotel. Many hotels offer a left luggage area so you may enjoy this time by taking a walk, having a snack or doing some exploring.

What is a day on a coach tour like?

We want you to see as much of the country you are visiting as possible, without spending all your time on the coach. We generally incorporate a sightseeing feature each morning and afternoon. There are breaks at two hour intervals or less so that you get a chance to stretch your legs, purchase a snack or lunch, take photos, have a cigarette or use a restroom.

On all tours, seats are rotated on a daily basis to allow all passengers an opportunity to sit towards the front of the coach. The tour director assigns seats for all clients. Seats belts must be worn when the coach is in motion. If you suffer from motion sickness bring medication with you.

What about travel times on the coach?

Morning departure time depends on the itinerary to be covered on any particular day. In Britain the tour day begins between 8.00am to 8.30am, while in Ireland the day usually begins between 8.30am and 9.00am. Arrival back to the hotel/ or at the next hotel is usually between 4.00pm and 5.00pm.

Our coaches make frequent stops for sightseeing, smoking, lunches, snacks and bathroom breaks. You will have breaks at least every two hours or less.

Will I be able to take walks or exercise?

Many of our tours incorporate walking tours in interesting places such as Derry, Cobh, York and Edinburgh; these are leisurely paced guided walks. You will have free time when you arrive at a hotel in the afternoon, so you may like to take a walk on your own or use the hotel’s leisure or spa facilities. Pack comfortable shoes with non-slip soles as many historic places have uneven paving.

Do the hotels have leisure & spa facilities?

Most of the hotels on your tour have wonderful leisure facilities and spas. You have some free time most days and may like to enjoy some relaxation and spa serenity, so be sure to pack a swimsuit and workout clothes.

Will there be opportunities to do laundry?

Most hotels feature laundry and dry cleaning services and can be used when you stay in the same property for two nights. However, they do not offer self-service facilities. Check with the hotels to see exactly what services they offer.

Will my room have washcloths, hairdryers etc.?

Many hotels in Ireland and Britain do not provide washcloths so it is a good idea to bring some with you. Guest rooms have TVs and hairdryers; some also offer an iron and ironing board. Hotels also provide a shaver outlet in the bathroom. For exact information please check the hotel’s website.

What if I have a medical device e.g. a C-PAP machine?

Most small medical devices, for example C-PAP machines are permitted on tour. If you travel with a C-PAP machine, be aware that distilled water is always readily available in stores. Some, but not all, pharmacies stock supplies. Bring distilled water with you or contact one of the hotels and arrange this directly with them.

Can I bring Medication e.g. insulin?

If you need to bring insulin please be sure to bring a box to store it in together with freezable ice packs. Hotels can store the insulin for you and can freeze the icepacks to keep it cold when traveling on the coach. If you take prescription drugs, ensure that you have an ample supply for the duration of your trip and always keep them with you. Any medication must be in its labelled container when going through airport security and customs.

Will my tour director be local?

CIE Tours could not exist without our great locally employed tour directors – they are the envy of the travel industry. From the moment you land in Ireland or Britain, your tour director is there to welcome you, handle your luggage, drive you from place to place and give you daily commentaries. Tour directors make history and culture come alive and create a superb experience with daily doses of humor, information and assistance.

Who will handle my luggage?

Once you meet your tour director, you don’t have to handle your luggage! At every hotel your suitcase is delivered to your bedroom door and collected before departure. However, luggage is restricted to one suitcase and one piece of carry-on baggage per person.

On the Road

Are airport to hotel transfers included?

We can pre-book your seat on a group transfer on the first and last morning of each tour. First we need you to send us flight details for each booking. If flight details are not provided at time of booking (or in the latest instance, 70 days prior to travel) transfers are not included.
Note that most Dublin arrival transfers are timed to depart T2 at Dublin Airport for 7:00 am; 9:00 am or 12 noon (sharp). Remember to allow time for passport control, luggage reclaim and movement between terminals if your airline arrives to T1. Departure transfers are generally timed to get you to the airport between 6:00 am and 12:00 noon. For Glasgow, transfers are only provided to/from Glasgow Airport and London, transfers are only provided to/from London Heathrow.

Where and How do I meet the tour?

The documents you receive prior to departure will tell you which transfer option you will be taking. More information is provided in your Go-To Guide booklet.

CIE Group Transfer: You will meet the tour in the arrivals hall of the airport. A CIE representative will be holding a CIE Tours sign and will direct you to the coach. You will then meet the tour in the hotel lobby at the designated time on the tour start date, as shown on the tour itinerary.

Taxi Transfer in Dublin: In lieu of a CIE Group transfer you may have received a taxi voucher within your documents. Call the number on the voucher and the taxi will take you to your hotel. You will then meet the tour in the hotel lobby at the designated time and day as shown on the tour itinerary.

City Transfer in London: A representative from City Transfers will be awaiting your arrival in London with a City Transfers sign. They will direct you to the vehicle where you will be transferred to your first hotel. You will then meet the tour in the hotel lobby at the designated time and day as shown on the tour itinerary.

Scotlinks Transfer in Scotland: A representative from Scotlinks will be awaiting your arrival in Scotland with a Scotlinks sign. They will direct you to the vehicle where you will be transferred to your first hotel. You will then meet the tour in the hotel lobby at the designated time and day as shown on the tour itinerary.

In order to book transfers, we must receive complete arrival and departure details at time of purchase. Without your airline information, we are unable to book transfers.

What happens if my flight is delayed and I arrive late?

If you have access to phone or internet, please contact our office. Call +353-1-7031888 or email helpdesk@cietours.ie and advise us of approximately when you will be arriving. We will alert our personnel in Ireland or Britain to ensure they are aware.

If you are scheduled to take our group transfer and you miss it, we recommend that you take a cab from the airport to the first hotel where you will meet the tour.

If you are delayed longer than a day, you should make your way to the relevant hotel on the tour. A cab or public transport may be most suitable method of getting to the next hotel which may be a distance from your arrival airport.

Any additional expenses for transportation or accommodation to catch up with the tour will be at your own expense. We regret that we cannot issue any refunds or credits for any missed portions of the tour.

What if I become ill on tour or need to return home prematurely?
If you become ill on tour or have an emergency situation at home, advise your tour director immediately. In the case of illness, have the front desk call a doctor or direct you to a medical facility. If you need to fly home immediately, our personnel in Ireland or Britain will assist you in making the best possible arrangements.

How can I contact friends and family back home?

Free WI-FI aboard coaches enables you to keep in contact, browse and share your travels with friends and family back home. Most hotels will offer internet services, some in guest rooms and some in lobby only. As some hotels charge for WI-FI, you should check rates with the front desk in your hotel.

Share your photos and videos with us while on tour. It’s easy – upload the photo or video to your own social media account. Hashtag it with #MYCIETOUR and let us know where the photo or video is from and which tour you are on. We will choose photos regularly to feature on our CIE Tours social media pages. If there are people in your image, make sure you have their permission to post the photo or video before hashtagging it.

If you carry a mobile phone, check usage rates with your provider before departing and remember to switch off roaming. In Ireland and Britain, pre-paid calling cards offer excellent rates and are on sale in many stores. You can also buy a simple mobile phone with pre-paid minutes. In some parts of Ireland and Britain you may experience poor mobile phone signals.

What is VAT? How can I benefit from Tax Free Shopping?

VAT (Value Added Tax) is included in the selling price of all goods in Ireland and Britain. Non-European Union resident purchasing goods to take home may claim a VAT refund for goods of a certain value once the relevant forms have been completed at time of purchase. This can save you up to 20%, depending on products purchased. There are a number of different VAT refund companies for Ireland and Britain. For Ireland, we recommend using the Horizon card, which we have included with your documents. Click here for information on how to claim tax refunds with the Horizon card.

FAQ’s for brochure tour groups

Why Select a CIE Tours brochure program?

Because you get –

• Large selection of tour programs
• Strong buying power with suppliers
• Generous tour conductor policy
• Strong focus on quality
• Fully inclusive tours with no optional extras
• Expert assistance with promoting and selling
• Client satisfaction which converts to repeat business for you

What about optional expenses?

No optional extras – no hidden costs.
We include all the necessary ingredients for a successful tour – many competitors charge additional for sightseeing and dinner/shows which can add up to an additional $550 per person

• Great hotel accommodations
• All breakfasts
• Most dinners
• Special evenings with entertainment
• Admission fees to attractions
• Expert tour escorts and local guides

Whats included in a brochure tour?

All the components for a great vacation. We use quality accommodations – mainly superior first class hotels (4-star). Breakfast (full in Ireland/Britain and buffet in Europe) is included every morning. Dinner is served most evenings and some of these dinners are special banquets or cabaret-style entertainment. Every day a fun sightseeing program enables visitors to see highlights and yet enjoy free time for independent activities.

How many itineraries do you have available for groups?

We have over 50 different motorcoach programs featured in our main brochure and on our website with departures throughout the year.

Whats the minimum group size?

For administrative purposes, 10 or more paying passengers constitute a group booking on a brochure tour. On these departures, other CIE Tours’ clients will be booking on to the same coach. So, if you end up with fewer than 10 passengers, your travelers will join ours and head off for a fun trip.

What is the maximum group size?

The sky’s the limit! We use mainly 48-seater coaches. For comfort we prefer to operate with 40 to 44 passengers. If you want an exclusive departure at our brochure rates we require 36 passengers. For fewer than 36 passengers, a small supplement will apply to have an exclusive coach.

What about tour conductor places?

Free conductor place or places are offered, depending on group size.

Why Plan an off-peak trip?

Off-season rates make tour prices more attractive – travelers can save up to 30% over high season rates. Remember that Ireland, England and mainland Europe have relatively mild winters, which makes travel enjoyable.

What if none of these itineraries suits my group?

Please contact one of our Custom Group Department professionals, who will be happy to tailor an itinerary to your specifications – taking budget, length of tour and inclusions into consideration.

How can I get a group together?

Many travelers realize that they have more fun with a group, especially when all arrangements are handled for them. Is there a special family event to celebrate? Are you a member of a church, club, pub or sporting association? Once you get a core group, we will work with you on the travel program and assist with sales flyers and information. We will also assist with sales flyers and outside Business Development Managers can help with marketing.

FAQ’s for Customized Tour Groups

Why select a CIE Tours customized program?

Because you can –

• Design any itinerary for any season
• Benefit from CIE Tours’ competitive rates which are passed along to you
• Include special interest features not offered on scheduled tours
• Travel on your own exclusive coach
• Offer the tour as a fundraiser for your local church or organization.

What’s included in a customized tour?

Basically whatever you would like to have. Of course, you will have coach transportation with a driver/guide throughout, hotels and breakfasts. Then you can choose whatever sightseeing, meals and entertainment that appeal to you and your group.

Are all castle hotel stays very expensive?

There are many castle hotels at different price points. Some are 5* top-of-the-line properties but there are also some 4* and 3* castle hotels offering the wonderful atmosphere of a historic experience at often reasonable rates.

What’s the minimum group size?

As you will have exclusive transportation and services of a driver/guide, we suggest a minimum of 20 paying passengers. However, by using a smaller vehicle we can keep costs down and put together a program for 10 or more paying passengers.

What about tour conductor places?

Free conductor place or places are offered, depending on group size.